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French A Level at Harris Academy Beckenham

Course description

French A Level is a varied and exciting course, which provides an excellent means of developing a range of linguistic and analytical skills. Students will consolidate and enhance their knowledge of French through discussion, group work, presentation and
research. Lessons are conducted primarily in the target language. As well as learning to master the French language, students will study topics focused primarily on the French-speaking world and will thus gain a thorough understanding of the culture and modern
history of this important European Union country and other francophone nations.

Course content

Year 12 Content

Social issues and trends in the francophone world: changes in family structures, education, world of work.

Political and artistic culture in the francophone world: contemporary music, media, festivals and traditions.

A French language film or book.

Translation, listening and reading skills.

Oral examination

Year 13 Content

Immigration and a multicultural French society: the impact of immigration in France, the challenges of immigration and integration, the extreme right.

The French occupation and resistance during the Second World War, the Vichy regime.

Individual research project on an issue relating to the French-speaking world.

Translation, listening and reading skills.

Oral examination

Entry requirements

Students require grade 6 or above in French GCSE and be confident in speaking the language. It is also an advantage if you have some knowledge of the culture and way of life in France and/or a French speaking country. You need to be interested in developing
this understanding and in exploring in much more depth the topic areas that you will have covered at GCSE. Students also require grade 5 or above in English Language GCSE.

Assessment

Exam Board: Edexcel

Students sit examinations in their A Level courses at the end of Year 13. All students will take internal end of year examinations at the end of year 12 to determine suitability to continue with the subject in Year 13. Students who do not meet the required
pass grade in the Year 12 end of year examinations will not be permitted to progress into Year 13.

Paper 3: Speaking exam: discussion of topics studied; plus at A Level, a presentation and discussion on individual research project.

Future opportunities

There will be a range of opportunities open to you, where you can continue to use and further develop your language skills and knowledge of contemporary society. Some students choose to do degree courses in languages, others choose to pursue a Higher Education
course in another subject, but choose a language option alongside it. Whether you are interested in continuing your studies or working at home or abroad, a language course at Advanced GCE is an excellent step towards achieving your goals.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Harris Academy Beckenham directly.